Strictly viewers left teary-eyed by Giovanni Pernice’s heartfelt tribute to Rose Ayling-Ellis in the results show

Giovanni Pernice paid tribute to Rose Ayling-Ellis during Sunday night’s Strictly Come Dancing results show.

The professional dancer, 33 – who was partnered with the actress, 28, two years ago – left viewers emotional over the sweet gesture.

Every time the winning pair were voted through to the next round by the public, they used to use the British Sign Language signal for ‘thank you.’

Fans watching this weekend, spotted that Giovanni made the ‘thank you’ gesture when he and Amanda Abbington, 49, found out they were through to the next week.

In BSL, ‘thank you’ is signed with a flat hand starting with fingertips on chin, before it is moved down and away from the body.

Adored: Giovanni Pernice, 33, paid tribute to Rose Ayling-Ellis, 28, during Sunday night’s Strictly results show (Pictured with current celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, 49)

Former winners and firm friends: Professional dancer Giovanni was partnered with actress Rose two years ago

Thank you! Fans watching this weekend, spotted that Giovanni made the ‘thank you’ gesture when he and Amanda found out they were through to the next week

Giovanni and Amanda wowed audiences with their fiery Salsa to Oye by Gloria Estefan, which saw them given scores of eight from each of the four judges.

The dance went down well with equally well with fans who voted for them after watching their performance at home.

As their names were called by host Tess Daly, the elated duo mouthed ‘thank you’ with Giovanni also making the sign language gesture for the camera.

Taking to social media, viewers were delighted that he continued to use the BSL he’d been taught her Rose.

One person tweeted: ‘Gio still signing ‘thank you’ shows a marvellous character and continued respect for the new fanbase he picked up through Rose. Pure. #Strictly.’

‘Giovanni continuing to sign after being partnered with Rose always gets me #Strictly,’ admitted another.

Someone else gushed: ‘I love how Gio still does the thank you in sign language #Strictly,’ while another fan added: ‘I love so much that they’re doing the BSL for thank you. #Strictly.’